ProForm Performance 1800i Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline & decline	Motor	Console
ProForm 1800i Check Discounted Price	L:80" W:40" H:63"	300 lbs	Motorized, 0%-15% -3%-0%	3.5 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	32 workouts, Bluetooth, iFit enabled

The Performance 1800i is one of the treadmills released by ProForm at the end of 2017. It’s a heavy-duty running machine, offering the sturdiness and the range of features of a light-commercial one. It also has an advanced console with plenty of programs to choose from, online connectivity, cooling fans and more. For reference, this is the ProForm part number PFTL13017.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 80″L x 40″W x 63″H (203L x 102W x 160H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
• Shipping weight: 295 lbs (133.8 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Motor: 3.5 CHP
• Speed range: 0.5 – 12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0% – 15%
• Decline: Automatic, -3% – 0%
• Deck cushioning: ProShox Cushioning
• Console: 32 programs, Bluetooth, iFit ready
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fans, tablet holder, accessory trays
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame & deck

Compared with other models of the Performance series that we’ve previously reviewed, such as the 400i or the 600i, the ProForm 1800i offers a much heavier and durable construction. Although it’s advertised as a machine for in-home use only, it definitely has the construction of a light-commercial model. To begin with, it features a heavy-duty frame with a total assembled weight that exceeds 250 lbs (113 kg). This being said, the transport and assembly of the unit requires at least two people. However, once it is assembled, its relocation shouldn’t be too difficult. Its front base is equipped with transport wheels, which facilitate its handling. So, as long as you can lift 45 lbs (20.5 kg), you should be able to move it with no problem.

On the other hand, this weight provides a lot of stability for running. You can be sure that the machine won’t wobble or slide away even if you engage in the most demanding workouts.

Needless to say, the machine’s frame is made of thick steel tubing. Its base features a black paint finish, while the console masts are painted gray. The paint is a highly durable powder coating, resistant to corrosion and chipping. Of course, the unit features several ABS covers as well. Among them, we can count the side rail covers, the covers of the front base bars, the motor cover, and the dashboard that incorporates the console.

This ProForm treadmill if a fairly large unit as well. With the frame fully assembled, it’s approx. 80″ (203 cm) long, and 40″ (102 cm) wide. Plus, just as any other treadmill, it requires at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side.

The machine features a folding design. Its folding mechanism involves a hydraulic cylinder placed under the deck. This prevents you from dropping the deck while unfolding it, slowly lowering it all the way to the floor. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced by approx. 2/3. Also, even if you’re going to keep the machine in operational position all the time, the fact that the deck is foldable is quite a plus as it allows you to easily vacuum or clean under it.

The ProForm Performance 1800i offers a 60″L x 22″W (152 x 56 cm) running platform. This being said, it offers plenty of space for a healthy, complete stride of any user up to 6’5″ (196 cm). The belt is highly durable as well, tested for one million cycles at double the user weight before release. It also offers high adherence for just about any type of running sneakers.

The deck is equipped with 2.5″ precision-machined, non-flex, crowned, and balanced rollers. Not only that they deliver a constant traction, they also keep the wear and tear of the belt to a minimum, provide a superior grip, and decrease tension.

Last but not least, the machine’s deck is equipped with the ProForm ProShox™ cushioning system. For this particular model, it consists of two shock absorption cells on each side of the deck. These reduce up to 25% of the running impact on the ankles, knees, and hips, which leads to longer, more enjoyable rides, and faster recovery.

Incline, decline & step-up height

The ProForm 1800i treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline/decline system. This being said, its incline or decline can only be adjusted from the console. Also, some of the preset programs on the console use incline and decline, so if you choose to exercise by the means of these programs, the machine will auto-adjust the ramp according to each segment of the program in use.

There are 15 levels of incline and 3 levels of decline available. The increments are 1%. There are controls for gradual incline adjustment on the console, but there also are quick incline/decline keys for the -3, -2, -1 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15.

With the incline set at 0%, the deck step-up height is approx. 12″ (30 cm). With the incline set at 15%, the front section of the deck is elevated by at least a few inches. Therefore, in order to avoid any height issues, it’s recommended to place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that it at least 20″-25″ (51-63 cm) higher than your own height.

Motor

This ProForm Performance treadmill is equipped with a high-grade, 3.5 CHP motor. This particular motor is designed for heavy use, delivering a superior duty power and being able to take you through the longest, most demanding workouts without losing performance or over-heating.

The motor features a spin-balanced assembly; in other words, it integrates a small flywheel which nullifies vibration, leading to a smooth and steady ride. It’s commercial-grade motor, and that’s one of the reasons it comes with a lifetime warranty.

The motor supplies a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 and 0.5 MPH. The console features keys for gradual adjustment, just as for incline, with dual press functions. If you press one key once, the speed of the belt will increase or decrease by 0.1 MPH, while if you press and hold the key, speed will be adjusted by 0.5 MPH. This is actually quite a plus, as you can easily find the pace that fits perfectly with your workout. There are, of course, keys for quick speed selection, from 1 to 10 MPH.

The motor itself is fairly quiet, the level of noise emitted shouldn’t interfere with your TV, the music played through the console or your personal sound system. Most of the sound that you will hear during your running, is the sound of your cadence.

Control unit

The console of ProForm Performance 1800i treadmill offers quite an extensive palette of features. To begin with, it’s equipped with a large LCD display with LED backlight and large digits, which delivers an excellent readability. The display tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, the number of vertical feet you have climbed, calories, and pulse. Of course, it also indicates the current speed and incline settings, while the mid-section shows the profiles of the program in use. There’s also

The console can be set in metric or English units. In other words, you can have the speed reading in km/h or MPH, while the distance in km or miles. For the distance traveled there is also a race track function. This shows the distance as a track of 1/4 miles (400 m), and counts the laps that you complete.

The front bar under the console is equipped with pulse sensors. However, the unit is also telemetric. It can track your pulse via a Bluetooth wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.

There are 32 workout programs available with this treadmill. They’re divided into six categories. These are Calorie, Speed, Incline, Intensity, Random, and Manual. Each program category has its own key on the console. Also, even though the programs are preset, you can modify them as you like.

One of the best features of the machine’s console is its iFit compatibility. If you have an iFit account and an active membership, you can sync your console with your tablet or smartphone and directly stream your workout data into your iFit account. This way, you can keep a better track of your progress. On top of that, iFit gives you the possibility to run on virtual paths downloaded via Google Map, compete with other iFit users, and a whole bunch of other nice features.

The console features several amenities as well. First of all, it has a set of speakers compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets. Therefore, you can play your music through these speakers in order to benefit from a higher sound quality than the one offered by your phone or tablet speakers. The AUX in is placed on the right, and there also are volume controls on the bottom part of the console.

As opposed to other ProForm treadmill models, the 1800i is equipped with dual workout fans. The two fans are placed one on each side of the console; they’re fairly large and they provide a significant cooling power. There are several fan speeds available as well, the controls for this being placed on the bottom left section of the console.

A tablet holder is also included. It can be attached to the top part of the console so that your tablet won’t cover the controls or the console display. Plus, there are several accessory trays molded into the console dashboard which give you the possibility to store your water bottle, TV remote control, keys, phone or other small stuff.

Assembly & Maintenance

The machine’s deck, along with its incline and drive motors are already assembled, attached to the bottom metallic frame. Therefore, the machine’s assembly only requires you to attach the console masts, the console and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. However, since the machine is considerably heavy, its transport, and assembly should be done by at least two people.

The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics. Some of the required tools are included, but you will also need a Phillips screwdriver.

For maintenance, the belt may require periodic lubrication. It is pre-lubricated, though, so it shouldn’t need any lubrication at first. Keeping the belt clean is also important. And finally, it’s recommended to periodically check for loose or broken parts, to prevent any further damage to the machine or any accidents.

The Pros

• Light-commercial durability and construction;
• Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• ProShox cushioning for a diminished workout impact;
• Motorized incline and decline system;
• 3 decline positions, from -3% to 0%;
• 15 incline positions, from 0% to 15%
• High-grade, 3.5 CHP motor offering belt speeds up to 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• The console is also compatible with various Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitters;
• 32 preset workout programs;
• iFit enabled, allowing you to track your progress online, or use virtual trails from Google Maps;
• Dual cooling fan system;
• Sound system included;
• Several accessory trays;
• Tablet holder included;
• Quiet operation;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• HR chest strap not included;
• iFit membership not included.

Summary

The ProForm Performance 1800i is a heavy-duty treadmill featuring a 3.5 CHP motor, automatic incline and decline, and an advanced console with Bluetooth connectivity, 32 programs, and iFit enabled. It has an extremely sturdy deck which can hold users up to 300 lbs. It’s equipped with the ProForm ProShox cushioning system and also has a folding deck with a lift-assist system. It’s a perfect machine for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss. In all, it’s a solid piece of equipment and offers an outstanding value for the price.